Courtesy of Wikipedia
Naomi Shemer (July 13, 1930 – June 26, 2004) was an Israeli songwriter, composer, and performer, widely described as the “first lady of Israeli song”.She became one of the most influential figures in modern Hebrew music, writing numerous songs that became cultural touchstones, most notably “Yerushalayim Shel Zahav” (“Jerusalem of Gold”), which gained prominence after the Six-Day War and is often regarded as a second national anthem. Over a career spanning several decades, Shemer created music for adults and children, contributed to major festivals and cultural events, and became widely recognized for shaping the Israeli songbook.
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Tomorrow, July 14: Gertrude Goldhaber
Shemer before she passed away admitted that she did not compose the melody for “Yerushalyim Shel Zahav” but borrowed it (actually stole it) from a Basque singer songwriter. WIKIPEDIA:
The famous Basque-connected melody behind “Jerusalem of Gold” (“Yerushalayim Shel Zahav”) originates from a traditional Basque lullaby called “Pello Joxepe”.The legendary Spanish-Basque singer-songwriter Paco Ibáñez popularized this folk melody globally and notably performed it in Israel in 1962. It was during this tour that Israeli songwriter Naomi Shemer heard the tune. NOT COOL OF HER to only acknowledge the actual composer on her death bed.